criticism over her first response to the attack that killed the u.s. ambassador to libya. margaret brennan is at the state department. margaret, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, norah and charlie. cbs news has learned susan rice privately began expressing doubts about her nomination to friends this week saying the attacks had reached a fevered pitch. then yesterday she had a phone conversation with president obama and withdrew her name from consideration as secretary of state. >> i would have been very honored to serve in that job, just as i'm delighted to do what i'm doing. but yes, sure how can you not want to in my field serve at the highest possible level? >> reporter: last night u.n. ambassador susan rice explained why she asked president obama not to consider her for secretary of state. in an op-ed she wrote, quote, a national security appointment, much less a potential one, should never be turned into a political football. there are far bigger issues at stake. on twitter she posted those of you who know me know that i'm a fighter, but not at th
